Established in July 2000, the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies is an integral part of the Rutgers-Newark Campus that brings together faculty, staff and students from Rutgers-Newark and allied institutions of higher education. The Center provides a distinctive environment in which to promote research and interchange among scholars of urban and metropolitan life, government leaders, businesses, community-based organizations, and private citizens.  

The Center is named for Joseph C. Cornwall, the founding Chair of the Fund for New Jersey, and a widely respected civic leader . Mr. Cornwall devoted much of his career to advancing the welfare and quality of life of citizens of New Jersey. To recognize  Mr. Cornwall, the Fund for New Jersey has provided a substantial endowment to establish, support and perpetuate the Center and its urban mission. The University has identified the Cornwall Center as an important element in its strategic plan and has committed significant resources to advance this mission.


The Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies advances analysis and research of complex issues facing urban areas, primarily metropolitan Newark and northern New Jersey. The Center accomplishes this by: 1) engaging and empowering community participation to shape public policy, 2) promoting and conducting scholarly research on cities and metropolitan areas and applied research on urban policy issues, and, 3) sharing knowledge and facilitating the exchange of ideas among all stakeholders. The Center’s areas of concentration include: housing, social justice, education, health, and community, and economic development. 

Goal 1. Provide an interactive environment to identify important public policy issues among stakeholders in metropolitan Newark and northern New Jersey. 

Goal 2. Develop research and outreach agendas that promote the systematic discussion and analysis of key issues. 

Goal 3. Implement a broad communications strategy that incorporates findings, facilitates informed policymaking, and encourages the ongoing exchange of information.

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